The two hits allowed belied the trouble Collett got himself into in the latter innings. The senior had to dig out of bases-loaded jams in the fifth and seventh innings to preserve Guilderland's lead.

"He didn't have his best stuff, but he gutted it through," said Guilderland coach Doug LaValley.

"He was a good pitcher, and today I'd say he was effectively wild," said Shaker coach Steve Frank. "We just swung at some pitches that were away, and we just didn't get the job done."

Guilderland's offense gave Collett enough run support early on to create a little margin for error later. Adam Gersowitz singled home Tim O'Connor in the bottom of the first inning for a 1-0 Dutchmen lead, and Lewis Lima belted a bases-loaded double in the second to drive in three more runs. Lima then scored on Eric Golderman's single to put Guilderland ahead 5-0.

"We've been working on our hitting every day, and they're finally starting to figure some things out," said LaValley.

Small ball led to Guilderland's final run in the bottom of the third inning. A walk and a bunt single put runners on first and second with no one out. Then, Devin Fisher laid down a bunt that led to a throwing error by Shaker. The error allowed Adam Pitkin to score from second base and give the Dutchmen a 6-0 advantage.

"That's what we've been doing all year," said LaValley.

Collett cruised until the top of the fifth inning. He allowed a leadoff walk, and then a throwing error on what could have been a double play ball allowed Jake Nash to go to second base. A walk to Corey McMeel and a Nick Guerro single -- the first Blue Bison hit of the afternoon -- loaded the bases with one out.